Anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer compounds and process

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer copper coordination compounds and a process for using them in the treatment of arthritis and gastrointestinal ulcers in animal bodies. The copper coordination compounds utilized are the reaction products of copper salts with: 
     1. aromatic carboxylic acids or their alkaline earth salts; 
     2. heterocyclic carboxylic acids or their alkaline earth salts; 
     3. amino acids or their alkaline earth salts; 
     4. amines; and 
     5. suitably substituted steroids. 
     The process disclosed comprises administering to experimental animals, orally or parentrally (subcutaneously), in controlled dosages, the aforementioned copper coordination compounds for the treatment of inflammation (i.e., arthritis) and ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/409,537 filed Mar. 24, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,171, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/143,348 filed Oct. 26, 1993, now abandoned, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 07/807,410 filed Dec. 12, 1991, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/585,027 filed Sep. 18, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,834, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 06/786,727 filed Oct. 15, 1985, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 06/604,728 filed Apr. 27, 1984, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 06/109,097 filed Jan. 2, 1980, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 05/910,421 filed May 30, 1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,785, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 05/563,778 filed May 31, 1972, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art is replete with attempts to discover new anti-inflammatory drugs that are useful in the treatment of arthritis. Some of the more widely published results relate to the use of aspirin, indomethacin, penicillamine, hydrocortisone and dexamethasone. While all have demonstrated, to varying degrees, anti-inflammatory activity, they all exhibit undesirable side effects.

Such undesirable side effects include, for some of these drugs, toxicity problems; the production of fatty liver problems; and the creation of Cushing Syndrome. For a further and more complete discussion see Bach, “Adverse Reactions of Antirheumatic Drugs”, Int. J. Clin. Pharmacol 7 2/3 (1973) 198-205.

Of even more importance, all of the above anti-inflammatory drugs produce gastrointestinal ulceration in experimental animals and in humans. Volume VII, p. 160, Side Effects of Drugs, (1971 Excerpta Media, Amsterdam); G. L. Bach, “Adverse Reactions of Antirheumatic Drugs”, supra. Insofar as the state of the art is concerned, it is widely recognized that “it has not been possible to dissociate gastrointestinal toxicity from anti-inflammatory activity.” Side Effects of Drugs, supra at p. 100.

It is therefore the principal objectives of my invention to provide anti-inflammatory drugs for use in treating arthritis in experimental animals which exhibit improved anti-inflammatory activities while at the same time providing drugs that are anti-ulcergenic and have acceptable levels of toxicity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been quite unexpectedly determined that copper coordination compounds produced by reacting copper salts with the following classes of organic compounds produce products which when used in accordance with the following processes, exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory activity in animals, i.e., a warm-blooded animal or mammalian subject, and which are anti-ulcer:

1. aromatic carboxylic acids or their alkaline earth salts;

2. heterocyclic carboxylic acids or their alkaline earth salts;

3. amino acids or their alkaline earth salts;

4. amines; and

5. suitably substituted steroids.

It has been empirically determined that the copper coordination compounds disclosed herein not only demonstrate excellent anti-inflammatory activity but that they are anti-ulcer and may be utilized both as anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of arthritis and in the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers in animals.

In the treatment of inflammation and/or ulcers, the compounds are administered orally or parentrally. The copper coordination compounds, being relatively insoluble in water, are administered by dissolving them in saline solution to which a suitable suspending agent has been added.

In treating inflammation by subcutaneously injecting test animals with the copper coordination compound so prepared it has been found that excellent anti-inflammatory results, in the test models hereinafter described, may be obtained if the dosages administered comprise about 2.5-165 mg. per kilogram of body weight.

In treating gastrointestinal ulcers by orally introducing into test animals the copper coordination compounds of this invention it has been found that excellent results, in the test models hereinafter described, are obtained if the dosages administered comprise about 2 to 125 mg. per kilogram of body weight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of more fully understanding the present invention, a copper coordination compound is intended to mean a compound whose molecular structure contains one or more copper atoms bonded to one or more atoms of one or more molecules or ions by coordinate covalant bonds.

The copper coordination compounds of the present invention are prepared by reacting copper salts, preferably cupric chloride or cupric acetate with a member of the following classes of organic compounds:

1. aromatic carboxylic acids or their alkaline earth salts;

2. heterocycline carboxylic acids or their alkaline earth salts;

3. amino acids or their alkaline earth salts;

4. amines; and

5. suitably substituted steroids.

More specifically, it has been found that suitable compounds may be produced by reacting cupric chloride with the sodium salts of L & D tryptophan, anthranilic acid, 3,5-diisopropylsalicylic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, hydrocortisone-21-phosphate, dexamethasone-21-phosphate, salicylic acid, 3-p-chlorophenyl-3,4,5,6,-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylic acid, 3,4,5,6-tetra-hydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylic acid, and 1-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetic acid; by reacting cupric chloride with 1-phenyl-5-aminotetrazole, ε-aminocaproic acid, pyridine, a mixture of D and L-tryptophan, morpholine, and histamine; by reacting cupric chloride with the ammonium salt of hydrocortisone-21-hemisuccinic acid; by reacting cupric acetate with the sodium salts of 2[3(trifluoro-methyl)phenyl]aminonicotinic acid (sometimes referred to hereinafter as tpan), 1-carboxyisoquinoline, phenylcinchoninic acid, hydrocortisone-21-phosphate, and 4-n-butyl-1,2-diphenyl-3,5-pyrazolidinedione; by reacting cupric acetate with the ammonium salt of nicotinic acid; by reacting cupric acetate with D-pencillamine, 1-phenyl-5-aminotetrazole, D or L-aspartic acid, L-lysine, 2-carboxyindole; and by reacting cupric acetate with the potassium salt of 17-hydroxy-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4,6-diene-21 carboxylic acid.

It is preferable to produce copper coordination solvates rather than anhydrous compounds as will be more fully appreciated by the following description. The compounds may be solvated with a lower alcohol (methanol or ethanol), acetone, pyridine, water or dimethyl sulfoxide.

Following is a more detailed description of how the copper coordination compounds of the present invention may be prepared. Table V contains suggested structural formulae for some of my coordination compounds. Not all have been empirically determined.

EXAMPLE 1 Bis-L-tryptophanato(O,N)copper(II), [Cu(II)(L-tryptophan)₂]

L-tryptophan (5.0 g, 0.025 mol) was dissolved in 100 ml of H₂O with a solution of NaOH (50%), filtered and back titrated if necessary with a solution of HCl (10%) until indicator paper showed the solution to be weakly basic. This solution was then dropped into 100 ml of H₂O containing CuCl₂ dihydrate (3.3 g, 0.021 mol). After stirring for about one hour a precipitate formed and was collected by filtration. This blue precipitate was washed with H₂O and diethylether, dried at 100° and 15 mm Hg overnight and weighed (4.7 g, 82% yield). A sample of this material on heating turned brown at 240° C. and finally decomposed at 260° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₂₂H₂₂N₄O₄Cu: C, 56.22; H, 4.72; N, 11.92. Found: C, 56.07; H, 4.89 and N, 12.16.

EXAMPLE 2 Bis-D-tryptophanato(O,N)copper(II) [Cu(II)(D-tryptophan)₂]

This coordination compound was prepared as described for the L isomer (example 1) using 5.0 g, 0.021 mol of D-tryptophan. After collecting the precipitate by filtration, washing with H₂O, diethylether and acetone (250 ml), the precipitate was dried overnight at 100° and 15 mm Hg and weighed (4.3 g, 75% yield). A sample of this material decomposed slowly on heating to 269° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₂₂H₂₂N₄O₄Cu: C, 56.22; H, 4.72; N, 11.92. Found: C, 56.10, H, 4.72 and N, 12.00.

EXAMPLE 3 Bisanthranilato(O,N)copper(II), [Cu(II)(anthranilate)₂]

The sodium salt of anthranilic acid (5 g 0.04 mol) was prepared as described in example 1 in 150 ml of H₂O with 50% NaOH. This solution was dropped into 300 ml of a stirred aqueous solution of CuCl₂ dihydrate (2.5 g, 0.016 mol). The precipitate which formed was removed by filtration and washed with H₂O and diethylether (5×50 ml). After drying overnight @120° C. and 15 mm Hg the material weighed 6.1 g, 99% yield. A sample of this greenish-blue material decomposed on heating to 240° C. and continued to decompose on heating to 290° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₁₄H₆N₂O₄Cu: C, 50.07; H, 3.60; N, 8.35. Found: C, 50.07; H, 3.77; N, 8.42.

EXAMPLE 4 Bis(3,5-diisopropylsalicylato(O,O)copper(II) [Cu(II)(3,5-dips)₂]

A solution of the sodium salt of 3,5-diisopropylsalicylic acid (5 g, 0.023 mol) was prepared as described in example 1 and added to 300 ml of a stirred aqueous solution of CuCl₂ dihydrate (1.59 g, 0.0336 mol). A brown precipitate formed which when recrystallized from ether gave green crystals. These crystals were filtered and dried at 125° C. and 15 mm Hg for three hours. The resulting brown crystalline material melted with decomposition over the range of 142-144° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₂₆H₃₄O₃Cu: C, 61.70; H, 6.77. Found: C, 61.49; H, 6.83.

EXAMPLE 5 Tetra(μ-acetylsalicylato)biscopper(II), [Cu(II)₂(aspirinate)₄]

The sodium salt of acetylsalicylic acid was prepared by dissolving acetylsalicylic acid (30 g, 0.165 mol) in 200 ml of H₂O at 0° C. with 50% NaOH so that the pH did not go above 11.0 and rarely reached 11.0. This was done over a period of 45 to 60 minutes. The final pH of the solution was about 8.7. The CuCl₂ solution prepared by adding 56.5 g, 0.330 mol of CuCl₂ dihydrate to 500 ml of water, was added to a stirred solution of sodium acetylsalicylate during a period of 10 to 15 minutes. Following the completion of this addition the blue precipitate was collected by filtration; washed with H₂O (500 ml×2), acetone (400 ml×2) and diethylether (300 ml) and left to dry on a filter funnel attached to a water aspirator. After two days the powder was dried at 50° C. for 6-7 hours and weighed (31.3 g, 90.6% yield). Analysis calculated for C₃₆H₂₈O₁₆Cu₂: C, 51.25; H, 3.35; Found: C, 51.20; H, 3.51.

EXAMPLE 6 [2[3(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]aminonicotinato]_(2n)-(aqua)_(n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(tpan)_(2n)(H₂O)_(n)]

The sodium salt of 2[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]aminonicotinic acid (20 g, 0.0708 mol) was prepared as described in example 1. The solution of this salt was then added to about 300 ml of a saturated, stirred solution of cupric acetate monohydrate. The resultant greenish precipitate as collected by filtration and dissolved in 200 ml of diethylether. The ether solution was then dropped into about 4 liters of boiling skellysolve A. The resultant precipitate was collected from the hot solution by filtration, dried at 125° C. for three hours at 15 mm Hg and weighed (16 g, 70% yield). A sample of this material melted with decomposition over the range of 201 to 208° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₅₂H₃₆O₁₀N₈F₁₂Cu: C, 48.49; H, 2.82; N, 8.70. Found: C, 48.53; H, 2.66; N, 8.91.

EXAMPLE 7 D-penicillaminato-(aqua)_(1.5)-copper(I), [Cu(I)_(n)(D-pen)_(n)(H₂O)_(1.5n)]

D-penicillamine (5 g, 0.0335 mol) was dissolved in 50 ml of water. The solid cupric acetate monohydrate (6.68 g, 0.017 mol) was then added to the solution at such a rate so as to not exceed its rate of solution. Upon the completion of this addition the solution was dark gray. About 50-100 ml of H₂O was then added and the mixture left to stir for about 30 minutes. The resultant gray precipitate was collected by filtration leaving a blue filtrate (125 ml). This blue filtrate was subsequently diluted with about 375 ml of acetone and set aside for use in example 8. The air-dried gray powder weighed 4.3 g, 54.0% yield. A sample of this material decomposed over the range of 155-157° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₅H₉SNO_(3.5)Cu: C, 25.26; H, 5.10, N, 5.89. Found: C, 25.32; H, 5.03; N, 5.47.

EXAMPLE 8 (D-penicillaminato)_(2n)-(aqua)_(2n)-copper(II), [Cu(II)_(n)(D-pen)_(2n)(H₂O)_(2n)]

On standing, the acetone diluted blue filtrate described in the preparation of Example 7 gave a gray precipitate which was collected by filtration and this filtrate also set aside. The gray solid was washed with 60 ml of water and the remaining light tan solid washed with 60 ml of acetone air dried and weighed (1.15 g, 17.4% yield). A sample of this solid melted with decomposition over the range of 155 to 157° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₁₀H₂₄O₆S₂N₂Cu: C, 30.33; H, 6.11; N, 7.08. Found: C, 30.42; H, 6.49; N, 6.72.

EXAMPLE 9 (D-pencillamine disulfide)_(n)-(aqua)_(3n)copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(D-pen disulfide)_(n)(H₂O)_(3n)]

The acetone-water filtrate obtained after removing example 8 from the blue acetone filtrate, described above, was concentrated to about 100 ml and diluted with 400 ml of acetone. A blue precipitate (1.3 g, 9.4% yield) was obtained following filtration, washing with acetone and air drying. A sample of this material decomposed over the range of 157 to 158° C. After drying twice at 73° and 15 mm Hg overnight a sample of this material decomposed over the range of 173 to 175° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₁₀H₂₄N₂S₂O₇Cu: C, 29.15; H, 5.87, N, 6.80. Found: C, 29.43; H, 5.76; N, 6.36.

EXAMPLE 10 (Acetato)_(2n)-(1-phenyl-5-aminotetrazolato)_(n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(pat)_(n)(acetate)_(2n)]

Five grams of cupric acetate monohydrate (0.012 mol) was dissolved in 20 ml of H₂O. This solution was diluted with 100 ml of methanol. 5 g (0.31 mol) of 1-phenyl-5-aminotetrazole was added to obtain a blue gel. This gel was filtered and the resulting blue flakes were washed with about 400 ml of methanol until the washings were no longer blue. The filtrate was then concentrated to about 150 ml and stored for about one week in the refrigerator. A precipitate formed and was removed by filtration. This green crystalline solid was air dried and weighed (3.8 g, 17.9% yield). A sample of this solid decomposed over the range of 186-189° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₂₂H₂₆N₁₀O₈Cu₂: C, 38.54; H, 3.82; N, 20.43. Found: C, 38.42; H, 3.94; N, 20.92.

EXAMPLE 11 (1-phenyl-5-aminotetrazolato)_(2n)-(chloride)_(2n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(pat)_(2n)(HCl)_(2n)]

Five qrams (0.012 mol) of 1-phenyl-5-aminotetrazole was dissolved in 30 ml of methanol, then 5 g (0.029 mol) of CuCl₂ dihydrate dissolved in 25 ml of methanol was added to the stirred solution of tetrazole. The resulting solution was filtered and set aside. Three subsequent crops of a green solid were obtained following filtration and concentration of the filtrate. The combination of these were air dried and weighed (5 g, 17.7% yield). A sample of this material decomposed on heating over the range of 184 to 185° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₁₄H₁₄N₁₀CuCl₂: C, 36.81; H, 3.09; N, 30.67. Found: C, 36.65; H, 3.17; N, 31.03.

EXAMPLE 12 (D-Aspartato)_(n)(aqua)_(3.5n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(D-aspartate)_(n)(H₂O)_(3.5n)]

This material is made in a manner similar to the preparation of example 1 using D-aspartic acid in place of L-tryptophan. Analysis calculated for C₄H₁₂N O_(7.5)Cu: C, 18.69; H, 4.66. Found: C, 18.55; H, 4.92.

EXAMPLE 13 (L-Aspartato)_(n)-(aqua)_(3.5n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(L-aspartate)_(n)(H₂O)_(3.5n)]

This material is made in a manner similar to the preparation of example 1 using L-aspartic acid in place of L-tryptophan. Analysis calculated for C₄H₁₂N O_(7.5)Cu: C, 18.693; H, 4.66. Found: C, 18.41; H, 4.73.

EXAMPLE 14 (L-Lysino)_(n)-(chloro)_(2n)-(aqua)_(n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n), (L-lysinate)_(n)(Cl)_(2n)(H₂O)_(n)]

This material is made in a manner similar to example 1 using L-lysine in place of L-tryptophan. A sample of this material decomposed on heating over the range of 169 to 170° C. Analysis calculated for C₆H₁₆N₂O₃CuCl₂: C, 24.10; H, 5.40; Cl, 23.70; N, 9.38. Found: C, 24.54; H, 5.07; Cl, 24.00; N, 9.36.

EXAMPLE 15 (L-Lysino)_(2n)-(chloro)_(2n)-(aqua)_(n)-copper(II)_(n), [CU(II)_(n)(L-lysinate)_(2n)(Cl)_(2n)(H₂O)_(n)]

This material is made in a manner similar to example 1 using L-lysine in place of L-tryptophan. A sample of this compound decomposed on heating up to and over the range 210 to 214° C. Analysis calculated for C₁₂H₃₂N₄O₅CuCl₂: C, 32.40; H, 6.80; Cl, 12.60. Found: C, 32.56; H, 7.04; Cl, 12.24.

EXAMPLE 16 Bis(D,L-tryptophanato(O,N)copper(II), [Cu(II)(D,L-tryptophan)₂]

This coordination compound was prepared and isolated as described in example 1 using a mixture of D and L-tryptophan in place of L-tryptophan. Analysis Calcd. for C₂₂H₂₂N₄O₄Cu: C, 56.22; H, 4.72. Found: C, 55.58; H, 4.87.

EXAMPLE 17 (ε-aminocaproato)_(n)-(chloro)_(1.5n)-(methanol)_(0.5n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(ε-aminocaproate)_(n)(Cl)_(1.5n)(CH₃OH)_(0.5n)]

This coordination compound was prepared by stirring a suspension of 10 g (0.08 mol) of 6-aminocaproic acid in 200 ml of methanol and slowly adding 10 g (0.065 mol) of solid cupric chloride dihydrate. The resultant green precipitate was collected by filtration washed with methanol, dried at 25° C. and 15 mm Hg overnight, and weighed (10.5 g, 51% yield). A sample of this material decomposed over the range of 157 to 158° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₇H_(15.5)O_(2.5)CuCl_(1.5): C, 29.53; H, 5.91; Cl, 20.11. Found: C, 29.97; H, 6.06; Cl, 20.36.

EXAMPLE 18 (ε-aminocaproato)_(n)-(chloro)_(2n)-(aqua)_(0.5n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(ε-aminocaproate)_(n)(Cl)_(2n)(H₂O)_(0.5n)]

This coordination compound was obtained from the filtrate described in example 17. Following concentration of the filtrate and methanol washings to about 100 ml of bluish-green precipitate formed. This precipitate was collected by filtration dried at 25° C. at 15 mm Hg and weighed (4.6 g, 21% yield). A sample of this material decomposed on heating over the range of 193 to 194° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₆H₁₄NO_(2.5)Cl₂Cu: C, 26.24; H, 5.14; Cl, 25.82. Found: C, 26.29; H, 3.28; Cl, 25.39.

EXAMPLE 19 tetra(α-acetate)bis(monopyridino)copper(II), [Cu(II)_(n)(pyridine)_(n)(acetate)_(2n)]

This coordination compound was prepared by adding 10 g (0.025 mol) of cupric acetate monohydrate to 70 ml of pyridine and the mixture heated while stirring at 100° C. The hot suspension was filtered and the resulting precipitate collected by filtration and washed with 200 to 300 ml of diethylether. A sample of this green solid decomposed on heating over the range of 214 to 216° C. When the ether-pyridine filtrate cooled a second precipitate, which was bluish, was obtained. Removal by filtration and washing with ether gave a second crop of the green material in the filtrate. This green solid had a decomposition range of 216 to 218° C. A mixture decomposition range of 216 to 218° C. was observed for a sample of the combination of the two green solids. Total yield was 12 g, 92%. Analysis Calcd. for C₁₈H₂₂N₂O₈Cu₂: C, 41.46; H, 4.25; N, 5.37. Found: C, 41.87; H, 4.54; N, 5.23.

EXAMPLE 20 Bispyridinobischlorocopper(II), [Cu(II)(pyridine)₂(Cl)₂]

This composition was prepared by dissolving 9.42 g (0.062 mol) of CuCl₂ dihydrate in 95% ethanol and adding 15 g 0.19 mol) of pyridine slowly to the stirred solution. The resultant blue precipitate was removed by filtration, washed with 95% ethanol (200 ml), dried at about 50° C. for 24 hours and weighed (19.8 g, 35.6% yield). A sample of this material decomposed over the range of 225 to 275° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₁₀H₁₀N₂CuCl₂: C, 41.32; H, 3.44. Found: C, 41.25; H, 3.52.

EXAMPLE 21 Bismorpholoniumtetrachlorocopper(II), [Cu(II)(morpholine)₂(Cl)₂(HCL)₂]

This coordination compound was prepared according to the published procedure of W. H. C. Rueggeberg, G. N. Jarman and R. B. Wearn, J.A.C.S., 69, 1222 (1947) incorporated by reference herein. Starting with 14.5 g (0.167 mol) of morpholine the coordination compound was obtained in 41% yield. A sample of this green crystalline melted with decomposition over the range of 167-170° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₈H₂₀N₂O₂CuCl₄: C, 25.17; H, 5.28; N, 7.34. Found: C, 25.17; H, 5.41; N, 7.21.

EXAMPLE 22 (Histamino)_(n)-(chloro)_(2n)-(hydrochloro)_(2n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(histamine)_(n)(Cl)_(2n)(HCl)_(2n)]

This coordination compound was prepared by mixing 5 g (0.048 mol) of cupric chloride dihydrate in 200 ml of methanol and concentrating to 135 ml. On standing a tan solid precipitated. This was removed by filtration and the filtrate concentrated to 80 ml. Upon addition of 40 ml of diethylether to this concentrate a light green solid precipitated. After removal by filtration and air drying this material was weighed (4.0 g, 23% yield). A sample decomposed over the range of 185 to 189° C. with softening at 182° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₅H₁₀N₃Cl₄Cu: C, 18.91; H, 3.17; N, 13.24. Found: C, 18.90, H, 3.30; N, 13.30.

EXAMPLE 23 (Sodium)₄-(salicylato)₄-copper(II)₂, [Cu(II)₂(salicylate)₄(Na)₄]

This material was prepared from the material obtained in example 24 with the addition of sodium ethoxide in suitable solvant. Analysis calculated for C₂₈H₁₆O₁₂Cu₂Na₄ were found to be within ±0.4% of the theoretical values.

EXAMPLE 24 (Salicylato)_(2n)-(aqua)_(4n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)(Salicylate)₂(H₂O)₄]

This material may be prepared as described in example 1 using salicylic acid in place of L-tryptophan. Analysis calculated for C₁₄H₁₈O₁₀Cu: C, 41.03; H, 4.43. Found: C, 41.24; H, 4.52.

EXAMPLE 25 (Pyridine-3-carboxylato)_(2n)-(aqua)_(1.5n)-copper(II), [Cu(II)_(2n)(nicotinate)_(4n)(H₂O)_(3n)]

This coordination compound was prepared by dissolving 10 g (0.08 mol) nicotinic acid in 100 ml of water with concentrated NH₄OH so that the final pH was 7.0. A cupric chloride solution, prepared by dissolving 21.6 g (0.14 mol) of cupric chloride dihydrate in 200 ml of water, was stirred while the ammonium salt of nicotinic acid was added dropwise. The blue precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with 500 ml of water and air dried. The resulting material was dried at 80° C. and weighed (10.7 g, 80% yield). A sample of this material decomposed on heating up to and through the range of 265 to 266° C. Analysis calcd. for C₂₄H₂₂O₁₁N₄Cu₂: C, 43.05; H, 3.31; N, 8.37. Found: C, 43.25; H, 3.00; N, 8.12.

EXAMPLE 26 (Isoquinoline-1-carboxylato)_(2n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(1-carboxyisoquinoline)_(2n)]

The copper coordination compound of 1-carboxyisoquinoline (5 g 0.029 mol) was prepared by adding to its solution of the sodium salt, prepared as in example 1 in 200 ml of water using 1-carboxyisoquinoline in place of L-tryptophan, 60 ml of a saturated aqueous solution of cupric acetate monohydrate. The resultant purple precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with 500 ml of water and dried overnight at 100° C. and 15 mm Hg. A sample of this material (4.0 g, 70.2% yield) decomposed over the range of 295 to 296° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₂₀H₁₂N₂O₄Cu: C, 58.84; H, 2.97; N, 6.87. Found: C, 58.49; H, 3.14; N, 6.79.

EXAMPLE 27 (2-Phenyl-4-isoquinoline-carboxylato)_(2n)-(aqua)_(2n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(2-phenyl-4-carboxyisoquinoline)_(2n)(H₂O)_(2n)]

This coordination compound was synthesized from the sodium salt of phenylcinchoninic acid (25 g, 0.15 mol), which was prepared as described in example 1 using “2-phenyl-4-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid” in place of L-tryptophan in 550 ml of water. The solution of the sodium salt was dropped into a stirred solution of cupric chloride dihydrate (14.2 g, 0.09 mol). The resulting green precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with methanol, water and then air dried and weighed (29.5 g, 67% yield). A sample of this material decomposed on heating over the range of 228 to 229° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₆₄H₄₈N₄O₁₂Cu₂: C, 64.48; H, 4.06; N, 4.70. Found: C, 64.55; H, 3.80; N, 4.61.

EXAMPLE 28 (Indole-2-carboxylato)_(3n)-(acetate)_(n)-(aqua)_(0.5n), [Cu(II)_(n)(2-carboxyindole)_(3n)(acetate)_(n)(H₂O)_(0.5n)]

This copper coordination compound was prepared from the parent acid 2-carboxyindole (4.5 g, 0.028 mol) as in example 1, using cupric acetate. The green precipitate was collected by filtration, air dried for several days, suspended in boiling methanol and again collected by filtration. It was then dried at 100° C. and 15 mm Hg overnight and at 125° and 15 mm Hg for 3 hours. A sample of this material (3.0 g, 23.3% yield) decomposed over the range of 249-255° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₂₉H₂₂N₃O₉Cu: C, 56.91; H, 3.59; N, 6.86. Found: C, 56.87; H, 4.03; N, 6.62.

EXAMPLE 29 (Indole-2-carboxylato)_(3n)-(acetate)_(n)-(aqua)_(3.5n), [Cu(II)_(n)(2-carboxyindole)_(3n)(acetate)_(n)(H₂O)_(0.5n)]

This material was prepared as described in example 1 using 2-carboxyindole in place of L-tryptophan and dried at 100° C. and 15 mm Hg over the weekend. A sample of this material did not melt but did turn brown, as did the material in example 28, on heating to 260°. Analysis Calcd. for C₂₉H₂₈N₃O₁₂Cu: C, 52.29; H, 4.20; N, 6.30. Found: C, 51.85; H, 3.78; N, 6.59.

EXAMPLE 30 (3-p-chlorophenyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylato)_(2n)-(aqua)_(2n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(cp-tcca)_(2n)(H₂O)_(2n)]

The copper coordination compound of the parent acid (5 g, 0.015 mol) was prepared as described for example 1 except 3-p-chlorophenyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylic acid was substituted for L-tryptophan. An olive drab precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with 500 ml of H₂O, 300 ml of diethylether and then with acetone until the washings were colorless. This material was dried at 100° C. overnight and 110° C. at 15 mm Hg for 3 hours before dissolving in acetone and precipitated with Skellysolve B. This material (2 g, 40% yield) was then dried overnight at 60° C. and 15 mm Hg and again at 125° C. and 15 mm Hg. A sample of this material decomposed over the range of 205 to 210° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₃₆H₃₂Cl₂N₄O₆Cu: C, 57.56; H, 4.30; N, 7.46. Found: C, 57.16; H, 4.15; N, 6.96.

EXAMPLE 31 (3,4,5,6-Tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylato)_(2n)(aqua)_(2.5n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(tcca)_(2n)(H₂O)_(2.5n)]

The copper coordination compound of the parent acid (5 g, 0.023 mol) was prepared as described for example 1 except that 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-β-carboline-5-carboxylic acid was substituted for L-tryptophan. This dark green solid was washed with 500 ml of water, then suspended in 500 ml of boiling acetone and collected by filtration. Drying was done at 100° C. at atmospheric pressure for 24 hours and then at 110° C. and 15 mm Hg for 3 hours. Subsequent leaching with hot propylene glycol gave an insoluble material (3.3 g, 52.8% yield) which rapidly decomposed on heating to 294° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₂₄H₂₇N₄O₆Cu: C, 53.47; H, 5.05 and N, 10.40. Found: C, 53.54; H, 4.69 and N, 10.58.

EXAMPLE 32 (Hydrocortisone-21-phosphato)_(2n)-(aqua)_(9n)-copper(II)_(3n), [Cu(II)_(3n)(HC-21-phosphate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(9n)]

This coordination compound was prepared by dissolving 1 g (0.002 mol) of the disodium salt of hydrocortisone-21-phosphate in 25 ml of water and adding this solution dropwise to a stirred solution of cupric acetate monohydrate, prepared by adding 0.79 g (0.004 mol) of cupric acetate monohydrate to 25 ml of water. After the addition was complete, stirring was continued for one-half hour before the light blue precipitate was collected by filtration and washed with 500 ml of water before air drying. The yield was 0185 g, 34%. On heating a sample of this material to 209° C. it decomposed. Analysis Calcd. for C₄₂H₇₈O₂₅P₂Cu₃: C, 40.82; H, 6.36. Found: C, 40.59; H, 6.18.

EXAMPLE 33 (Hydrocortisone-21-phosphato)_(2n)-(aqua)_(7n)-copper(II)_(3n), [Cu(II)_(3n)(HC-21-phosphate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(7n)]

This coordination compound was prepared by dissolving 1 g (0.002 mol) of the disodium salt of hydrocortisone-21-phosphate in 100 ml of water, adding 1 drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid to give a pH of 6.6 and adding this solution dropwise to a stirred solution of cupric chloride dihydrate (1 g, 0.006 mol) in 50 ml of water. After the addition was complete the mixture was allowed to stir for one hour and the lights blue precipitate collected by filtration, washed with 200 ml of water, air dried and weighed (400 mg, 33% yield). A sample of this material gradually decomposed on heating to 210° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₄₂H₇₄O₂₃P₂Cu₃: C, 42.05; H, 6.22. Found: C, 42.00; H, 6.21.

EXAMPLE 34 (Hydrocortisone-21-hemisuccinato)_(4n)-(aqua)_(6n)-copper(II)_(2n), [Cu(II)_(2n)(HC-21-hemisuccinate)_(4n)(H₂O)_(6n)]

This coordination compound was prepared by dissolving 1 g (0.002 mol) of hydrocortisone-21-hemisuccinic acid in 250 ml of water with concentrated ammonium hydroxide. The resulting pH was 9.0 and was adjusted to 7.0 with a 10% solution of hydrochloric acid. This solution was then added dropwise to a stirred solution of cupric chloride dihydrate (1 g, 0.006 mol) dissolved in 250 ml of water. The resulting light blue-green precipitate was collected, air dried, and weighed (1 g, 96% yield). A sample of this material decomposed on heating over the range of 191 to 195° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₁₀₀H₁₄₄O₃₈Cu₂: C, 57.71; H, 6.97. Found: C, 57.41; H, 7.26.

EXAMPLE 35 (Hydrocortisone-21-hemisuccinato)_(4n)-(aqua)_(7n)-copper(II)_(2.5n) [Cu(II)_(2.5n)(HC-21-hemisuccinate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(7n)]

This coordination compound was prepared by dissolving 1 g (0.002 mol) of hydrocortisone-21-hemisuccinic acid in 20 ml of water with concentrated ammonium hydroxide. The resulting pH was 9.5. This solution was then added dropwise to a stirred solution of cupric chloride dihydrate (1 g, 0.006 mol) dissolved in 15 ml of water. The light blue precipitate which formed was collected by filtration, air dried and weighed (1.2 g, 99% yield). A sample of this material decomposed on heating over the range of 196 to 197° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₁₀₀H₁₆₀O₄₆Cu₅: C, 49.71; H, 6.68. Found: C, 49.91; H, 6.63.

EXAMPLE 36 (9α-Fluoro-11β,17α,21-trihydroxy-16α-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione-21-phosphato)_(2n)-(aqua)_(7n)-copper(II)_(3n), [Cu(II)_(3n)(dexamethasone-21-phosphate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(7n)]

This coordination compound was prepared by dropping a solution of the disodium salt of dexamethasone-21-phosphate (9 g, 0.017 mol) dissolved in 100 ml of water, into a stirred solution of 100 ml of water containing 4.6 g (0.003 mol) of cupric chloride dihydrate. After the addition was completed an additional 300 ml of water was added. The resulting light blue precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water, air dried and weighed (8.1 g, 75% yield). A sample of this material gradually decomposed on heating to 300° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₈₈H₁₄₀O₄₆P₄F₄Cu₆: C, 42.02; H, 5.61. Found: C, 42.04; H, 5.5.

EXAMPLE 37 (9α-Fluoro-11β,17α,21-trihydroxy-16α-methyl-1,4-pregnadiene-3,20-dione-21-phosphato)_(2n)-(aqua)_(1.5n)-copper(II)_(3n), [Cu(II)_(3n)(dexamethasone-21-phosphate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(1.5n)]

This coordination compound was prepared by taking 2 g (0.0008 mol) of the material prepared in example 36 and suspending it in a stirred methanol for two hours to remove some of the water of hydration. After air drying this material was dried at 45° C. and 15 mm Hg overnight. A sample of this material also decomposed on heating to 300° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₈₈H₁₁₈O₃₅P₄F₄Cu₆: C, 45.62; H, 5.13. Found: C, 45.51; H, 5.48.

EXAMPLE 38 [1-(p-Chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetato]_(4n)-(aqua)_(4n)-copper(II)_(2n), Cu(II)_(2n)[1-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetate]_(4n)(H₂O)_(4n)

This coordination compound was synthesized from the sodium salt of the parent acid (5 g, 0.014 mol), prepared as in example 1 except 1-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetic acid was used in place of L-tryptophan, in 200 ml of water. The solution of the sodium salt was dropped into a stirred 300 ml water solution of cupric chloride dihydrate (1.95 g, 0.013 mol). The resultant green precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water, air dried and weighed (5.6 g, 98% yield). A sample of this material decomposed on heating to 190° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₇₆H₆₈O₂₀N₄Cl₄Cu₂: C, 56.13; H, 4.21; N, 3.44. Found: C, 56.00; H, 3.78; N, 3.40.

EXAMPLE 39 [1-(p-Chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetato]_(4n)-(acetone)_(2n)-copper(II)_(2n), Cu(II)_(2n)[1-p-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2-methylindole-3-acetate]_(4n)(CH₃COCH₃)_(2n)

This coordination was prepared in a manner similar to that described for example 38, using twice the amount of parent acid and cupric chloride dihydrate. However, after the green precipitate was collected by filtration it was leached with 1 liter of acetone and the leachate concentrated to 500 ml. On standing, additional green cyrstals formed in the acetone solution. These were collected by filtration, air dried and weighed (6.9 g, 62% yield). A sample of this material decomposed on heating up to and over the range of 190 to 193° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₈₂H₇₂O₁₈N₄Cl₄Cu₂: C, 58.81; H, 4.79; N, 3.21. Found: C, 58.96; H, 4.34; N, 3.35.

EXAMPLE 40 (4-n-Butyl-1,2-diphenyl-3,5-pyrazolidinedione)_(2n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(4-n-butyl-1,2-diphenyl-3,5-pyrazolidinedione)_(2n)]

A solution of the sodium salt of the parent compound 4-n-butyl-1,2-diphenyl-3,5-pyrazolidinedione, (5 g, 0.015 mol) dissolved in 50 ml of 95% ethanol was diluted with 150 ml of H₂O. To this stirred solution was added 2.73 g (0.007 mol) of cupric acetate monohydrate, in small aliquats. The greenish precipitate which formed was collected by filtration, dried at 95° C. and 15 mm Hg overnight and weighed (4.5 g, 94.5% yield). A sample of this material softened and melted over the range of 65 to 75° C. Analysis Calcd. for C₃₈H₃₈N₄O₄Cu: C, 67.29; H, 5.65; N, 8.26. Found: C, 67.61; H, 5.43; N, 8.28.

EXAMPLE 41 (17-Hydroxy-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4,6-diene-21-carboxalato)_(2n)-(aqua)_(2n)-copper(II)_(n), [Cu(II)_(n)(17-hydroxy-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4,6-diene-21-carboxylato)_(2n)(H₂O)_(2n)

The potassium salt of the parent acid (17-hydroxy-3-oxo-17α-pregn-4,6-diene-21-carboxylic acid) (5 g, 0.013 mol) was dissolved in 50 ml of water. This solution was dropped into a stirred solution of cupric acetate monohydrate, prepared by dissolving 5 g (0.012 mol) in 50 ml of water. After the addition was completed the mixture was left to stir for an additional one-half hour before removing the precipitate by filtration. This precipitate was washed with 500 ml of water before air drying followed by drying at 30° and 15 mm Hg over the weekend. A 5 g, 24% yield was obtained. A sample of this material decomposed on heating over the range of 168-169° C. This material was redried at 40° and 15 mm Hg before obtaining elemental analysis. Analysis Calcd. for C₈₈H₁₂₈O₂₂Cu₂: C, 64.88; H, 7.67. Found: C, 64.44; H, 7.87.

Inflammation Test Models Employed

In order to test the anti-inflammatory activities of my copper coordination compounds, the following test models were employed:

(1) Carrageen in Foot Edema Model as described in Experentia, 6, pp. 469-71, “Zur Frage des Mechanis Mos der Hemmung des Bindegebswachstums durch Cortisone” (1950);

(2) Cotton Wad Granuloma Model as described in J. Pharmacol. Expt'l. Ther., 141, pp. 369-76, “Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic Activities of Indomethacin, 9-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-5-Methoxy-2-Methyl-Indole-3-Acetic Acid” (1963); and

(3) Polyarthritis Model as described in Nature, 224, pp. 1320-21, “Effect of Prostaglandin E₂ on Adjuvant Arthritis” (1969).

The foregoing literature references were followed in the following tests unless otherwise stated and they are incorporated by reference herein. Each test model will only be briefly described. Each test model is a recognized and accepted model for testing drugs for the treatment of arthritis.

Carrageenin Foot Edema Model

In this test model test rats were injected with carrageenin in a hind paw one hour after administration of the copper coordination compound. The carrageenin induced inflammation. The rats were male, of the Sprague Dawley variety and weighed on the average 120 grams. The copper coordination compounds were first introduced subcutaneously. The dosages were compounded as follows:

TABLE A Copper Coordination Compound Weight in Milligrams Saline Solution Suspending Agent   0.5 0.2 ml several drops 1 0.2 ml per 10 ml 2 0.2 ml 5 0.2 ml 25  0.2 ml

The suspending agent was Tween 80, a nonionic surfactant sold by the Atlas Powder Company. A full description of it is contained at p. 648 of Remingtons Practice of Pharmacy (11th ed., Martin & Cook, The Mack Publishing Co., Easton Pa. 1956). Generally they may be described as a complex mixture of polyoxyethylene ethers of mixed oleic esters of sorbitol anhydrides. The initial screening dosage was 25 mg of the copper coordination compound given in one injection to ten rats. Compounds which were active received further testing at 5.0 mg and lower dosages. Each dosage was administered to at least ten rats. A dose was rated active if it caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the circumference of the feet injected with carrageenin six hours after administration. Compounds were rated active if they possessed a subcutaneous potency of ≧1%. As a reference standard, saline solution plus suspending agent was subcutaneously administered to each of the ten rats.

Cotton Wad Granuloma

This test utilizes the discovery that when cotton introduced subcutaneously into a rat's skin it becomes encapsulated with connective tissue forming a granuloma. This is a manifestation of a local inflammatory response.

The rats utilized were male, of the Sprague Dawley, variety and weighed on the average 175-200 gm. The rats were pellets, sterilized, each weighing 32-50 mg but for each experiment not varying ±1 mg. were inserted in each animal adjacent to the abdomen. The copper coordination compounds were subcutaneously introduced in various dosages daily for two days. The dosages were prepared in accordance with Table A and the description given in explanation thereof. Each dose was administered to at least ten rats. The initial screening dose was 20 mg. The compounds were rated active if they caused a significant decrease (P<0.05) in the adjusted weight of the granuloma tissue encapsulating the implanted cotton. In order to arrive at the adjusted weight a reference standard, hydrocortisone, 0.5 mg. was administered subcutaneously to ten reference standard rats. After two days, the rats, in the test model and reference standard were sacrificed and the granulomas from each were removed, weighed, dried and reweighed. The adjusted weights were calculated as wet granuloma from test model compared to wet granuloma from references standard and dry granuloma from test model compared to dry granuloma from reference standard.

Polyarthritis Model

In this model the test rats, male Sprague Dawley rats, 160-180 g, were inoculated intradermally at the base of the tail with a Freund type adjuvant as described in Nature, supra, to wit: 0.6 mg dry, heat-killed Mycobacterium butyricum (purchased from Difco) suspended in 0.05 ml of paraffin oil. The test rats were injected subcutaneously daily for 16 days with varying dosages of copper coordination compound prepared by mixing the copper compound with saline solution and suspending agent in the proportion set forth in Table A and in the manner described in connection therewith. The initial screening dose was 5 mg. Each dose was administered to at least twelve rats. As a control group, twelve rats were also injected subcutaneously with saline solution plus suspending agent.

On day 16 (day 1=day of inoculation) the rats were sacrificed. The circumference of the tibiotarsal (ankle) joint was used as a measure of the severity of the inflammation. Table I and Table IV set forth the results of the foregoing tests and Table I includes in addition comparisons of the anti-inflammatory activities of my compounds vs. hydrocortisone.

Ulcer Test Models Employed

To determine the ulcergenicity of my copper coordination compounds, two different test models were employed—the Shay rat test and the Corticoid Induced Rat Ulcer Test. These are commonly employed tests described in the literature. Shay, et al, “A Simple Method for the Uniform Production of Gastric Ulceration in the Rat,” Gastroenterology 5, 43-61 (1945); and Robert, A. et al, Proc. Soc. Expt'l. Biol. 99, pp. 443-47, “Ulcergenic Properties of Steroids” (1958), incorporated by reference herein.

Shay Rat Test

The procedure set forth in the above described method by Shay et al was followed. The rats were males of the Sprague Dawley variety, weighing 200-250 grams, which had been fasted for 72 hours. The control group of twelve rats received a saline and Tween 80 solution introduced intragastrically. An initial screening dose of 50 mg copper coordination compound, mixed with saline solution and Tween 80 suspending agent was introduced intragastrically into twelve rats. If the compounds displayed activity, as determined in the manner described below, dosages of either 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2.5 mg, or 10 mg were administered. Each dose was given to at least twelve rats. The following Table B shows how the dosages were formulated.

TABLE B Saline Solution Copper Compound (mg) ML Suspending Agent 0.5 1 1 drop 1 1 1 drop 2.5 1 1 drop 10 1 1 drop 50 1 1 drop

The activity of the dosages was arrived at by sacrificing the rats after 19 hours and determining the size and number of ulcers present. The incidence of ulcers in rats receiving the dosages of copper compounds were compared with the incidence of ulcers in rats in the control group. The compounds were rated active if the comparison showed that the compound significantly inhibited ulceration (P<0.05).

Corticoid-Induced Rat Ulcer Test

8 mg of Δ¹-cortisol in about 0.2 ml corn oil was injected subcutaneously into each rat in two groups of male Sprague Dawley rats (about 150 to 165 g) daily for four days. The rats in the control group received no other compound, while the rats in the treated group received orally 25 mg of various copper coordination compounds of my invention (1 ml saline solution—1 drop Tweet 80) three times daily.

The results of this test, using the ulcer index as found in Robert, A. et al, Proc. Soc. Expt'l. Biol. 99, pp. 443-47, “Ulcergenic Property of Steroids” (1958) (incorporated by reference herein) are included in Tables III and IV.

In addition to the foregoing anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer tests, several LD₅₀ tests [performed in accordance with Miller et al, Proceed. of The Society of Expt'l. Medicine, 57, p. 261 (1944)] were performed with some copper coordination compounds and compared to cupric acetate, aspirin and tpan. The results are set forth in Table II along with TI data which is the ratio of the lethal dose to effective dose.

The following surprising results may be gleaned quickly by reviewing the results set forth in Tables I-IV.

(1) A marked increase in anti-inflammatory activity was observed for most of the compounds of the present invention as compared to prior art compounds.

(2) Many parent compounds used to prepare the copper coordination compounds possessed no anti-inflammatory activity while their copper coordination compounds did.

3) The LD₅₀ of the copper coordination compounds of my invention were substantially less than prior art anti-inflammatory agents.

(4) While all known prior art compounds useful as anti-inflammatory agents are known ulcergenic compounds, my copper coordination compounds displayed anti-ulcer activity.

Upon further and more extensive study of the results the following observations are of interest to those skilled in the art.

From a review of the Tables it can be noted that activity in the various test models is apparently not a function of the amount of the percent of copper present in the copper coordination compound. For example, activity in the Shay Rat Anti-Ulcer activity model was displayed in compounds at similar dosages having about 7.7% be weight copper and in compounds having about 19% by weight copper.

While examples 1, 8, 16, 30 and 41 showed no anti-inflammatory activity at the initial screening tests and using only one test model, it is believed that they would display anti-inflammatory activity under other conditions.

From the foregoing description it can be noted that all of the compounds of the present invention have the formula Cu_(y)X_(n) wherein y and n are numerals and wherein x is derived from at least one group of coordinating elements. By group of coordinating elements I mean a group of elements which are not attached to each other in a cyclic manner. The coordinating compounds may contain within them carbocyclic or heterocyclic structural components. By coordinating elements I mean elements which contribute electrons to form a covalent bond with copper, which may have a valence state of +1 or +2. In most instances, such coordinating elements are selected from the group of oxygen, nitrogen, halogen and sulfur.

In most instances my copper coordination compounds have the formula Cu_(1y)X_(2n). In this case the coordinating groups may be the same or different. Another class of my copper coordination compounds has the formula C_(3y)X_(2n) and the coordinating groups may be the same or different. A still further class has the formula Cu_(2y)X_(4n) and the coordinating groups may be the same or different.

From the foregoing description it will also be understood that in the treatment of inflammation (arthritis) and gastrointestinal ulcers in animals my compounds may be administered in customary ways. While the dosages recommended herein for use are preferred, other dosages may also provide beneficial results.

Referring now to Table V, which sets out some of these structural formulae of my copper coordination compounds, the following is given in explanation thereof.

Example 1 has the structure d when the ligand is derived from L-tryptophan (a) and x is a amino. Example 2 has the structure d when the ligand is derived from D-tryptophan (a) and x is amino. Example 16 has the structure d when the ligand is derived from D,L-tryptophan (a) and x is amino. Example 3 has the structure d when the ligand is derived from anthranilic acid (b) and x is o-amino.

Example 4 has the structure d when the ligand is derived from 3,5-diisopropylsalicylic acid (c) and x is o-hydroxyl.

TABLE I THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF SOME COPPER COORDINATION COMPOUNDS COMPARED WITH SOME OF THEIR PARENT COMPOUNDS % POTENCY CARRAGEENIN COTTON WAD COMPARED WITH EXAMPLE COMPOUND FOOT EDEMA GRANULOMA POLYARTHRITIS HYDROCORTISONE % COPPER cupric acetate A@ 1 mg SC I@ 20 mg SC I@ 5 mg SC 340 31.8 L-tryptophan I@ 25 mg SC NT NT 1 Cu(II)(L-tryptophan)₂ I@ 25 mg SC I@ 20 mg SC NT 13.5 D-tryptophan I@ 25 mg SC NT NT 2 Cu(II)(D-tryptophan)₂ A@ 25 mg SC I@ 20 mg SC NT 13.5 anthranilic acid I@ 25 mg SC NT I@ 5 mg SC 3 Cu(II)(anthranilate)₂ A@ 1 mg SC A@ 5 mg SC A@ 0.2 mg SC(+25) 60 18.9 3,5-dips acid I@ 25 mg SC NT I@ 5 mg SC 4 Cu(II)(3,5-dips)₂ A@ 1 mg SC A@ 1 mg SC A@ 0.2 mg SC(+24) 50 12.5 aspirin A@ 8 mg SC A@ 40 mg IG A@ 1 mg SC(+5) 6 5 Cu(II)₂(aspirinate)₄ A@ 1 mg SC A@ 2 mg SC A@ 0.2 mg SC(+27) 130 15.0 tpan A@ 5 mg IC A@ 5 mg IC A@ 1 mg IC(+5) 31 6 Cu(II)_(n)(tpan)_(2n)(H₂O)_(n) A@ 1 mg SC A@ 2 mg SC A@ 0.2 mg SC(+18) 180 10.1 D-penicillamine I@ 25 mg SC I@ 20 mg SC I@ 5 mg SC 7 Cu(I)_(n)D-pen(H₂O)_(1.5n) A@ 1 mg SC A@ 2 mg SC NT 26.7 8 Cu(II)_(n)(D-pen)_(2n)(H₂O)_(2n) I@ 25 mg SC NT NT 16.1 9 Cu(II)_(n)(D-pen disulfide)_(n)(H₂O)_(3n) A@ 1 mg SC A@ 5 mg SC A@ 5 mg SC(+18) 15.4 pat I@ 25 mg SC A@ 20 mg IG A@ 20 mg IG(+5) 10  Cu(II)_(n)(pat)_(n)(acetate)_(2n) A@ 1 mg SC A@ 5 mg SC A@ 5 mg SC(+5) 18.5 11  Cu(II)_(n)(pat)_(2n)(HCl)_(2n) A@ 2 mg SC A@ 2 mg SC NT 13.9

TABLE II THE LD₅₀ AND CALCULATED TI DATA FOR SOME COPPER COORDINATION COMPOUNDS TI EXAMPLE COMPOUND LD₅₀ CFE PA cupric acetate 350 mpk SC 70 0 3 Cu(II)(anthranilate)₂ 750 ± 106 mpk SC 150 750 4 Cu(II)(3,5-dips)₂ 240 ± 33 mpk SC 48 240 aspirin 1500 mpk IG 790 mpk RT 5 Cu(II)₂(aspirinate)₄ 760 ± 100 mpk SC 150 760 tpan 370 ± 25 mpk IG 15 74 6 Cu(II)_(n)(tpan)₂n(H₂O)_(n) 650 ± 80 mpk SC 130 650

TABLE III A COMPARISON OF THE ANTI-ULCER ACTIVITIES AMONG THE COPPER COORDINATION COMPOUNDS OF TABLE I AND SOME OF THEIR PARENT COMPOUNDS SHAY RAT: CORTICOID INDUCED: ANTI-ULCER ANTI-ULCER EXAMPLE COMPOUND ACTIVITY ACTIVITY Cu(II)₂(acetate)₄(H₂O)₂ A@ 50 mg TG NT 1 Cu(II)(L-tryptophan)₂ A@ 0.1 mg IG A@ 25 mg IG 2 Cu(II)(D-tryptophan)₂ A@ 1 mg IG NT D-tryptophan I@ 50 1 mg IG NT 3 Cu(II)(anthranilate)₂ A@ 1 mg IG A@ 25 mg IG anthranilic acid A@ 50 mg IG NT 4 Cu(II)(3,5-dips)₂ A@ 0.5 mg IG A@ 25 mg IG 5 Cu(II)₂(aspirinate)₄ A@ 2.5 mg IG NT aspirin A@ 50 mg IG NT 6 Cu(II)_(n)(tpan)_(2n)(H₂O)_(n) A@ 1 mg IG NT tpan I@ 50 mg IG NT 7 Cu(I)_(n)D-pen(H₂O)_(1.5n) NT NT 8 Cu(II)_(n)(D-pen)_(2n)(H₂O)_(2n) A@ 1 mg IG NT 9 Cu(II)_(n)(D-pen disulfide)_(n)(H₂O)_(3n) A@ 1 mg IG NT 10  Cu(II)_(n)(pat)_(n)(acetate)_(2n) A@ 1 mg IG NT 11  Cu(II)_(n)(pat)_(2n)(HCl)_(2n) A@ 1 mg IG NT

TABLE IV THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-ULCER ACTIVITIES OF SOME ADDITIONAL COPPER COORDINATION COMPOUNDS COMPARED TO SOME OF THEIR PARENT COMPOUNDS SHAY RAT: CARRAGEENIN COTTON WAD PERCENT ANTI-ULCER EXAMPLE COMPOUND FOOT EDEMA GRANULOMA POLYARTHRITIS COPPER ACTIVITY Amino Acids Cu(II)_(n)(D-aspartate)_(n)(H₂O)_(3.5n) A@ 1 mg SC A@ 2 mg SC NT 32.6 A@ 0.5 mg IG Cu(II)_(n)(L-aspartate)_(n)(H₂O)_(3.5n) A@ 1 mg SC NT NT 32.6 A@ 0.5 mg IG Cu(II)_(n)(L-lysinate)_(n)(Cl)_(2n)(H₂O)_(n) A@ 0.5 mg SC A@ 2 mg SC NT 21.9 A@ 10 mg IG Cu(II)_(n)(L-lysinate)_(2n)(Cl)_(2n)(H₂O)_(n) A@ 1 mg SC NT NT 14.3 NT 16 Cu(II)_(n)(D,L-tryptophan)₂ I@ 25 mg SC NT NT 13.5 A@ 1 mg IG 17 Cu(II)_(n)(ε-aminocaproate)_(n)(Cl)_(1.5n)(CH₃OH)_(0.5n) NT NT NT 24.0 A#2.5 mg IG 18 Cu(II)_(n)(ε-aminocaproate)_(n)(Cl)_(2n)(H₂O)_(0.5n) NT NT NT 23.2 A#1 mg IG* Amines 19 Cu(II)₂(pyridine)₂(acetate)₄ A@ 2 mg SC NT NT 24.4 A@ 0.5 mg IG 20 Cu(II)(pyridine)₂(Cl)₂ A@ 1 mg SC NT NT 21.6 A@ 10 mg IG 21 Cu(II)(morpholine)₂(Cl₂)(HCl)₂ A@ 0.5 mg SC A@ 5 mg SC NT 16.6 NT 22 Cu(II)_(n)(histamine)_(n)(Cl)_(2n)(HCl)_(2n) NT NT NT 20.0 A@ 10 mg IG* Salicylates Cu(II)_(2(salicylate)) ₄(Na)₄ A@ 1 mg SC A@ 2 mg SC NT 17.8 NT Cu(II)_(n)(salicylate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(4n) A@ 1 mg SC A@ 5 mg SC NT 15.5 A@ 1 mg IG Heterocyclic Carboxylic Acids 25 Cu(II)_(2n)(nicotinate)_(4n)(H₂O)_(3n) NT NT NT 19.0 A@ 1 mg IG 26 Cu(II)_(n)(1-carboxyisoquinoline)_(2n) A@ 5 mg SC A@ 5 mg SC NT 15. 6 A@ 50 mg IG 27 Cu(II)_(n)(2-phenyl-4-carboxyisoquinoline)_(2n)(H₂O)_(0.5n) NT NT NT 10.6 A@ 1 mg IG* 28 Cu(II)_(n)(2-carboxyindole)_(3n)(acetate)_(n)(H₂O)_(0.5n) A@ 1 mg SC A@ 2 mg SC NT 16.5 A@ 0.5 mg IG 29 Cu(II)_(n)(2-carboxyindole)_(3n)(acetate)_(n)(H₂O)_(3.5n) NT NT NT 15.4 A@ 1 mg IG* 30 Cu(II)_(n)(cp-tcca)_(2n)(H₂O)_(2n) I@ 25 mg SC NT NT 8.8 A@ 1 mg IG 31 Cu(II)_(n)(tcca)_(2n)(H₂O)_(2.5n) I@ 5 mg SC NT NT 11.8 A@ 50 mg IG Corticoids hydrocortisone-21-phosphate(Na)₂ NT NT I@ 1 mg SC** I@ 10 mg IG** 32 Cu(II)_(3n)(HC-21-phosphate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(9n) A@ 2 mg SC A@ 5 mg SC A@ 1 mg SC(+7)** 15.4 A@ 5 mg IG 33 Cu(II)_(3n)(HC-21-phosphate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(7n) NT NT I@ 1 mg SC** 15.9 A@ 2.5 mg IG hydrocortisone-21-hemisuccinate NT NT A@ 1 mg SC(+7)** I@ 10 mg IG** 34 Cu(II)_(2n)(HC-21-hemisuccinate)_(4n)(H₂O)_(6n [Green]) A@ 2 mg SC A@ 5 mg SC A@ 1 mg SC(+7)** 6.1 A@ 5 mg IG 35 Cu(II)_(2.5n)(HC-21-hemisuccinate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(7n [Blue]) A@ 2 mg SC A@ 1 mg SC A@ 1 mg SC(+11)**13.5 A@ 10 mg IG* Dexamethasone-21-phosphate(Na)₂ NT NT NT NT 36 Cu(II)_(3n)(dexamethasone-21-phosphate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(7n) NT NT NT 15 A@ 5 mg IG 37 Cu(II)_(3n)(dexamethasone-21-phosphate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(1.5n) NT NT NT 16 A@ 5 mg IG Arylacetic Acids 38 Cu(II)_(2n)[1-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2- methylindole-3-acetate]_(4n)(H₂O)_(4n) NT NT NT 7.8 A@ 10 mg IG* 39 Cu(II)_(2n)[1-(p-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2- methylindole-3-acetate]_(4n)(CH₃COCH₃)_(2n) NT NT NT 7.7 A@ 1 mg IG Pyrazolindinedione 40 Cu(II)_(n)(4-n-butyl-1,2-diphenyl-3,5- pyrazolidinedione)_(2n) NT NT NT 11.8 A@ 10 mg IG Steroidal Acids 41 Cu(II)_(n)(17-hydroxy-3-oxo-17-pregn-4,6-diene-21- I@ 5 mg SC** NT I@ 5 mg SC** 7.8 A@ 5 mg IG carboxalate)_(2n)(H₂O)_(2n) *Not tested at lower dose **Only dose tested NT = Not Tested

TABLE V

EXAMPLES 1, 2, 16; 3 and 4. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating inflammation consisting essentially of the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of an organic coordination compound of copper having anti-gastrointestinal ulcer activity and having the formula Cu_(y)X_(n) wherein y and n are numerals and wherein x is derived from at least one acyclic group of coordinating atoms.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said acyclic group contains a coordinating atom selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, halogen and sulfur.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said organic coordination compound of copper is administered in an amount of about 2 to 165 mg per kilogram of body weight.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said organic coordination compound of copper is administered orally.
 5. The method of claim 2 wherein said organic coordination compound of copper is administered subcutaneously.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein y is 1 and n is
 2. 7. The method of claim 1 wherein y is 2 and n is
 4. 8. The method of claim 1 wherein y is 3 and n is
 2. 